FDA Approves Sale of Contour Threads™

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FDA Approves Sale of Contour Threads" Press Release Monday, October 11, 2004 New Era in Aesthetic Enhancement Strategic Alliance between Surgical Specialties Corp. and Quill Medical, Inc. announces FDA approval for the sale of Contour Threads " .

The cContour Thread" d is a patented self-anchoring suture that permits a non-surgical approach to lifting skin, providing a rejuvenated appearance, and enhanced beauty. The self-anchoring suture technology was originally invented by plastic surgeon Gregory Ruff, MD in the early 1990 9s and subsequently developed by Quill Medical, Inc. The Contour Thread" is a product of a strategic alliance between Quill Medical, Inc.

and Surgical Specialties Corporation. Contour Threads" are made from the time-tested material cpolypropylene d (decades of use inside the human body as sutures). Contour Threads" are designed with tiny, human-friendly cogs that attach snugly to the inner skin tissue, pulling up the deeper structure, lifting, suspending, and smoothing sagging areas.

Once inserted under the skin, Contour Thread" cogs form a support structure for tissue lifting, giving a rejuvenating and beautifying appearance. Contour Threads TM are the only FDA approved self-anchoring suture. The US market has been inundated with illegal barbed sutures that have been aggressively promoted by companies and physicians.

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Threads TM physicians and patients can be assured of a quality product, and have legal access to this revolutionary technology. The first approved indication for Contour Threads" is for elevation of the mid-face tissues to a desired position. Surgical Specialties will seek additional FDA approved indications for Contour Threads" to improve the appearance of brow, jowls, breasts, buttocks and thighs. Surgical Specialties first order of business with Contour Threads" is to train and certify physicians to effectively use Contour Threads", and ensure successful outcomes. Under the medical leadership of Dr. Ruff, inventor of the Contour Threads" technology, Surgical Specialties will conduct global, clinically supported, physician training that will bring together the world 9s experts in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Surgical Specialties will also establish Centers of Excellence around the globe to ensure local access to advanced skill training and to learn new methods of placement. The comprehensive skills training course is structured to support all areas of the physician 9s office. Each course will be structured to ensure development of physician surgical skills via hands on wet labs, and tutorial understandings. Nursing staff from each physician office are welcome to attend instruction at each course to obtain a comprehensive understanding of pre-op and post-op consulting, and to enable nurse to nurse peer support. Additionally, each physician 9s office/business manager will be supported with professional internal and external marketing programs. Under the strategic alliance between the two companies, Surgical Specialties is the exclusive worldwide distributor and manufacturer of Quill Medical 9s self anchoring suture technology for use in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. Quill Medical is providing licenses to its extensive self- anchoring suture patent portfolio along with technology for manufacturing and optimized product design. The companies will also collaborate to develop new products for aesthetic surgery applications. Financial terms of the alliance were not disclosed. About Surgical Specialties Corp. Surgical Specialties Corp. is a private medical device company located in Reading, Pennsylvania and is a leader in the wound incision and closure technology with globally recognized brands, Sharpoint® and DermaGlide®, in the suture and microsurgical knives business sector. Surgical Specialties has an extensive customer base across the medical specialties of all micro incision surgery, Dermatology, Plastic/Aesthetic, Dental, and Ophthalmology. For more information, visit www.surgical specialties.com . About Quill Medical, Inc. Q uill Medical is a medical device company located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and is developing innovative surgical aids based on its novel and proprietary knot-less, self-anchoring suture technology. The company 9s products target diverse applications in the fields of wound closure, orthopedic and cosmetic surgery. For more information, visit www.quillmedical.com . Contact information: Surgical Specialties Corporation 100 Dennis Drive Reading, PA 19606 U.S.A. 610-404-1000 Attention: Jim Simms Jsimms@surgicalspecialties.com Quill Medical, Inc. 2505 Meridian Parkway Suite 150 Research Triangle Park, NC 27713 919-806-1961 Attention: Mathew Megaro Mmegaro@quillmedical.com

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